A fourth Continental truck tire, the HTL1 wide-based trailer tire, has been approved by the EPA for inclusion in their SmartWay Transport Partnership list. SmartWay Transport is a collaboration between the EPA and the freight sector designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions, and improve energy security. Part of this “green list” includes truck tires that meet government standards for low rolling resistance. Low rolling resistance means that less energy is used to overcome friction between the tire and road surface, resulting in less fuel consumption and better gas mileage.

Continental officials remarked: “Based upon data provided by tire manufacturers and EPA testing and research, the EPA determined that certain tire models can provide a reduction in emissions and an estimated fuel savings of 3% or greater… when used on all three axles.”

The other Continental truck tires that made the grade were the Continental HSL2 steer tire, the Continental HDL Eco Plus drive tire, and the Continental HTL Eco Plus.

The Toyo Proxes A20 is renowned for its low rolling resistance, wet and dry braking performance, stellar handling, and the quiet, comfortable ride it provides. The tire is already a top seller – but it’s about to get a whole lot more popular. Toyo Tire Holdings of America has announced that their Proxes A20 has been officially slated as the original equipment tire for the newest generation of the Toyota Prius, the Prius V. The Prius V eclipses the fuel economy of its predecesors with an impressive EPA-estimated 50mpg on average.

The new generation also features a 24HP boost for better performance and quicker acceleration. The revitalized exterior and expanded interior rest on a set of four 215/45R17 87V Toyo Proxes A20s, which are specially engineered to minimize the amount of friction between the tread and road surface. Less friction means the car uses less fuel to overcome resistance, resulting in improved gas mileage. Exact improvements are difficult to calculate, but the lower rolling resistance generated by the Proxes A20 certainly won’t hurt the Prius’ stellar fuel economy ratings.

With fuel prices on the rise again and consumer demand for eco-friendly products higher than ever, many motorists have their sights set on low rolling resistance tires. These tires, which minimize the friction (and therefore energy lost) between the tread and the road, promise better gas mileage and less oil consumption. Many swear by low rolling resistance tires, but many are also starting to ask questions about just how effective they are, as well as how uniform and accurate current rolling resistance measurment tests are.

Major tire manufacturers such as Goodyear have begun to heavily market their eco-friendly tires as a guaranteed way to generate improved fuel economy. The Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires promise a 4% improvement. But can drivers really expect this improvement to be standard regardless of other circumstances and conditions? The short answer is that while low rolling resistance tires can improve fuel economy, there are dozens of factors which affect the amount of rolling resistance a tire generates. That means it’s very difficult for a manufacturer, or even a third party like the NHTSA, to estimate a tires rolling resistance. Factors like vehicle weight, its aerodynamic design, the condition of the road surface, tire inflation, and wheel alignment can all affect a tire’s rolling resistance. In light of this, it’s important to understand that any improvements promised by manufacturers should be taken as ballpark figures, not laws etched in stone. This also means that regulating agencies must be careful not to make rolling resistance standards cost-prohibitive to the manufacturer.

The bottom line? Low rolling resistance tires will save you fuel and money in many cases. The exact percentage is subject to debate and vulnerable to influence from many other factors. If you want to do everything you can to improve your fuel economy, these tires are the way to go. But if you’re purchasing them because the manufacturer or the NHTSA or anybody else promises an x.x% improvement, understand that you may not see the same results that these organizations achieved in controlled laboratory conditions.

As part of the effort to educate consumers about improving gas mileage, the Department of Transportation has unveilved a new labeling system that offers an easy way to compare fuel efficiency, wet traction and treadwear ratings among different tires. These labels, which will be affixed to all tires and clearly visible at the point of sale, are the first ones to include information about a tire’s impact on fuel economy. Mileage ratings are calculated by measuring the rolling resistance of the tire.

In addition to putting the new labels on the tire, consumers will also be able to browse a comprehensive ratings database at www.safercar.gov. The intent behind the new labeling system is to lead consumer’s to make more environmentally-friendly and fuel efficient purchases. This puts pressure on manufacturers to create low rolling resistance models that will appeal to conscious consumers.

“The proposal takes the guess work out of buying the best tires for your vehicle,” says U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Our proposal would let consumers look at a single label and compare a tire’s overall performance as it relates to fuel economy, safety and durability.”

The CEC proposed a tire efficiency rating that will allow consumers to easily compare rolling resistance between tires of the same size and load index.

With demand for fuel-efficient low rolling resistance tires climbing, some officials in California are looking for ways to foster competition between tire manufacturers. By mandating official tire efficiency regulations, the California Energy Commission hopes that tire makers will dedicate more time and resources to creating the most efficient tires on the market.

The Rubber Manufacturers Association responded to the CEC’s proposal by pointing out the immense costs that could go in to instituting and adhering to the new regulations – costs the RMA estimates will land in the $20 million range. The RMA was also quick to point out that there already is a 5-star efficiency rating system in place, which ranks tires based on their rolling resistance coefficient. However, the ratings proposed by the CEC would rate tires of the same size and load index against each other for results that are easier to compare and understand.

The CEC believes the rating system will force competition in the market. “A ranking system driven by the ‘best in class tire’ can ignite a competitive spirit,” the CEC said.

Despite the CEC’s predictions, tire manufacturers still seem reluctant to support the plan. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is already in the process of putting together rolling resistance regulations, which is another reason RMA-member manufacturers are balking at the CEC’s proposal. It will be interesting to see who wins this battle. Either way, it’s important that some form of tire efficiency rating is put into place. This simple measure makes it easier for consumers to make educated purchasing decisions that eventually benefit everyone.